Starbridge

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we reflect on the enduring call for freedom, equity, and collective action. Brad Lomax’s words remind us that meaningful change requires us to move beyond individual gains and work toward transformation that benefits everyone. 💚❤️💛🖤

🌟 Celebrating Juneteenth, a day that honors freedom, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of justice. May we remember the past, celebrate progress, and continue creating a more inclusive future for all. ❤️🖤💚

⚾We had an amazing evening of Rochester Red Wings baseball at the ESL Ballpark, despite the brief rain. It was great meeting new people and having the chance to talk about Starbridge, our programs, and upcoming summer events.

🍉We will be back on August 12th for our annual Picnic and Game Night. We hope you can join us: https://starbridgeinc.org/event/red-wings-2026/

When school is out for the summer, access to nutritious meals shouldn't be. ☀️🍎

Starbridge's Food Pantries & Food Assistance Resources page can help connect you to local food pantries, community meal programs, and additional supports throughout New York State. Starbridge provides county-by-county resources to help families find food assistance when they need it most.

Plus, kids and teens ages 18 and under may be eligible for FREE summer meals at schools, libraries, parks, and community centers. No cost. No registration required at many sites.

🔗 Find resources: https://starbridgeinc.org/food-pantries-and-food-assistance-resources/

It's almost officially summer!

Join us on Friday, July 24 for an afternoon of summer fun and celebration of inclusion at Letchworth State Park. Register today: https://starbridgeinc.org/event/starbridge-summer-kick-off/

Growth that creates impact!🌱🌟

In 2025, Starbridge's Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Services experienced an incredible 25.5% growth, reflecting the increasing number of individuals and families choosing self-direction to achieve their goals and live more independently.

💚Thank you to the individuals, families, support brokers, and team members who make this impact possible every day. Together, we're creating more opportunities for people to thrive. Learn more about the impact we were able to make together in 2025: https://starbridgeinc.org/about-us/annual-report/

We were happy to join Parent Connection at their Summer Spectacular yesterday! The morning was filled with fun, resources, and meaningful connections. 💚

🌟As always, we are grateful to be in these spaces to meet families where they are at to provide support, guidance, and a listening ear.

This Pride Month, we honor Audre Lorde—poet and activist. Lorde used her voice to challenge injustice and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, women, and people of color.

Lorde believed that our differences should be recognized, respected, and celebrated. Her work continues to inspire movements for , , and , reminding us that true liberation requires uplifting every voice.

As we celebrate , we reflect on Audre Lorde's powerful legacy and recommit to building communities where everyone belongs.

🌷🖌🎨We had a great time in Olean recently -- planting flowers, painting the pots, and decorating aprons (and of course enjoying some snacks 🍕).

These meaningful activities are free to those with OPWDD eligibility and an amazing way to find support, connect with families, and meet new friends while being creative.

🗓🌐Learn about upcoming programs in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties for the summer season: https://starbridgeinc.org/events/

At our recent All Staff Meeting held at the , team members had the opportunity to participate in a Poverty Simulation facilitated by Coordinated Care Services Inc. This powerful, hands-on experience challenged us to navigate the realities many individuals and families face every day, deepening our understanding of the barriers that can impact access to resources and opportunities.

Thank you to for leading this impactful session and helping us strengthen our commitment to empathy, advocacy, and person-centered support. Together, we continue learning, growing, and working toward stronger communities for all.